In what is supposed to be a Super Bowl-or-bust season, the Broncos keep getting in their own way.

Von Miller, considered the most dominant player on the Broncos' defense, will be suspended for the first four games of the 2013 season, pending an appeal, for violating the NFL drug policy, according to two sources with knowledge of the situation.

It is not yet clear what drug triggered Miller's positive test.

According to an NFL source, Miller tested positive for amphetamines and marijuana during his rookie season of 2011. Under NFL policy, testing positive for a recreational drug lands the player in a testing program, and three positive tests can trigger a suspension. Testing positive for a performance enhancing drug is met with an immediate suspension.

Miller's father, Von Miller Sr., said Miller and his son's agent, Joby Branion, are meeting and Miller will have a statement regarding the NFL action later Monday.

This message was posted on Miller's Twitter account Monday afternoon: "Seeing reports abt 4 game susp. I know I did nothing wrong. I'm sure this'll be resolved fairly. Disapp. Broncos have 2 open camp like this."

Broncos spokesman Patrick Smyth said the team is unable to provide a comment. The NFL has a confidentiality clause on such cases.

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It's rare for an NFL player to win an appeal on a drug policy violation, but it does happen. Most notably, Broncos running back Travis Henry won an appeal on a positive marijuana test in 2007.

If Miller loses his appeal, he likely would be replaced at starting strongside linebacker by Shaun Phillips. The former San Diego Charger signed a one-year, $1 million deal with the Broncos in late April. Phillips was to share time at right defensive end with Robert Ayers, but he likely will now get training camp work at Miller's position. At right defensive end, the Broncos are hoping fifth-round draft pick Quanterus Smith can accelerate his development and recovery from knee surgery.

Broncos linebacker Von Miller takes in batting practice at Coors Field on May 7. (John Leyba, The Denver Post)

The Broncos' defense last season, which finished ranked No. 2 in the NFL, was built around its pass rushing duo of Miller and Elvis Dumervil. Now they both might be gone. Dumervil, who had 11 sacks last season, escaped after a transaction snafu that led him to free agency and the Baltimore Ravens.

And now Miller might miss the first four games. The Broncos open the NFL season Sept. 5 with a rematch against the Ravens, who beat them in the playoffs. In week two, the Broncos play at the New York Giants, then are home against the Oakland Raiders and Philadelphia Eagles.

Miller's possible suspension caps a promising-turned-ugly offseason for the Broncos. It started well with the free-agent signings of Wes Welker, Louis Vasquez and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. And the Broncos added Sylvester Williams and Montee Ball in the draft.

Losing Dumervil and Miller would more directly impact the Broncos on the field. The Broncos tied for the NFL lead with 52 sacks last season, 29 ½ of which came from Miller and Dumervil.

The absence of Miller would be devastating as defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio builds his attack around his strong-side linebacker. Miller's unique pass-rushing ability — besides his speed and strength he has a rare flexibility that allows him to slip blocks — had Del Rio moving him around to avoid double teams.

The Broncos report to training camp Wednesday. Miller will be able to participate in camp and the preseason, but then must leave the team following the final preseason game if he is suspended.

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